When you go to the dentist, you’re likely focused on matters like cavities and gum health. But dental experts can detect a lot more from your exam.
“A lot about someone’s overall health can be observed just by looking in their mouth,” Dr. Kami Hoss, a dentist and author of “If Your Mouth Could Talk,” told HuffPost. “In fact, over 100 systemic conditions and many medications can have oral manifestations. This means that what happens in the mouth can often be a window into broader health issues, helping to identify problems before they escalate.”
Because the mouth is considered the “gateway” to the body, it can also be the origin of problems in many different bodily systems.
The mouth’s microbes “can enter the bloodstream through bleeding gums or open root canals and travel to other parts of the body, causing infections or inflammation,” Hoss noted.
That’s why routine dental checkups are so important.
“A comprehensive oral examination can provide valuable insights into a person’s overall health and lifestyle habits, helping dental professionals identify potential issues and provide appropriate care and recommendations,” said cosmetic dentist Dr. Michael J. Wei.
So what exactly can a dentist infer about you from the state of your mouth? We asked some professionals to share what they’ve seen.
If You Floss Regularly… Or Rarely
“Unfortunately, dentists can’t be fooled into thinking you floss regularly if you floss just right before your visit,” said Dr. Erin Fraundorf, an orthodontist and founder of BOCA Orthodontic + Whitening Studio. “Gum tissue that is not flossed regularly looks red, inflamed and may bleed.”
She noted that healthy gums are pink and smooth with a “knife-edge” instead of puffy.
“As soon as your dentist sees your mouth and the color and texture of your gums, they can tell you have gum disease,” Fraundorf said.
If Your Diet Is High In Certain Foods And Drinks
“Erosion and decay on teeth can reveal a lot about someone’s diet, with high consumption of sugary foods and beverages typically leading to cavities, while acidic foods and drinks, like citrus and soda, can cause enamel erosion,” said cosmetic dentist Dr. Kevin Sands.
Highly acidic and sugary foods and drinks can also contribute to gum disease.
“If you are a big tea or coffee drinker, you will more likely have dark stains,” Fraundorf added.
If You Have Diabetes
People with diabetes often have inflamed gums.
“Imbalances in sugar may also result in a rapid change in the health of your gums, showing up as increased swelling, bleeding and sensitivity,” Fraundorf said. “Diabetic patients have a higher prevalence of gum disease.”
Additionally, “fruity” breath can be a sign of uncontrolled diabetes, so patients should seek medical attention if they experience this phenomenon.
If You Bite Your Nails Or Suck Your Thumb
“Without glancing at your nails, a dentist may be able to detect if you bite your nails ― or bite on other items, like pen caps or bottle caps,” Fraundorf said, noting that the stress on your teeth can cause chipping and other wear and tear.
